Hollywood’s Essence of Black Women Praise Sheryl Lee Ralph – The Hollywood Reporter

The 16th annual Essence of Black Women in Hollywood event brought together stars from both Hollywood and Hollywood. and BEHIND THE CAMERA — Thursday afternoon at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The luncheon honored Daniel Deadwyler (to), Dominic Thorne (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Tara Duncan (President of Onyx Collective), Gina Prince-Bythewood (queen) and Sheryl Lee Ralph (abbott elementary school).

The event, hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe, highlighted in italics the contributions that black women have made in film and television, particularly this year, but across time and generations. essence Since 1970, the magazine’s existence as a platform for black expression has found an affinity with the image industry, Hollywood. At the event, many attendees essence’s founders are similar to the work Black creators in the entertainment industry are doing today.

Thorne, who began her acceptance speech with a prayer in the form of a letter to God, said she has learned this from her 25 years of experience. she is a black woman. Still, in the same world, she essence We were and continue to stand proud and steadfast to spread our truth, celebrate our mystique, and celebrate our successes. ”

Supermodel Beverly Johnson was on the carpet for the first three shoots of her career. trend, Glamour and essence. “essence The magazine and I were launched in the same year. 2024 will be 50 years for me,” she said. “When I was traveling the world as this token black model, what I always knew was that I had a home. essence. I always knew it was there for me. ”

essencesaid Daniel Cadet, vice president of content and executive editor. hollywood reporter: “This brand has a great foundation, and I’m really interested in taking that into its next chapter and serving an audience of Millennial and Gen Z Black women who are entering a different stage of their lives. .”

Attika and Thembi Lok — two people who struck a chord with Netflix from scratch Last year, we agreed that the event felt like a “sisterhood.”

“I don’t feel alone, but rather like we’re part of an army of women just doing something here and supporting each other,” showrunner Attica said.

Thembi added, “It’s incredibly inspiring to be in a room with Black women who are so committed to elevating our stories and revealing our depth and breadth to the world. It gives,” he added.

Another sister, Tia Mowry and Tamera Mowry, struck out on the carpet later in the afternoon. The event was also attended by Chinonye Chukwu, Daniel Kaluuya, Ryan Coogler, Yara Shahidi, Indya Moore, and KiKi Layne.

Alsema Thomas plays young Agatha Danbury in Netflix drama Queen Charlotte: The Bridgerton Story ” (released May 4), shared some hints about what viewers can expect from the prequel spinoff. “bridgerton Very light and beautiful, fun for balls and gowns, [but] queen charlotte It’s about the backstory. It’s about what had to happen for this kind of community to exist. I think it’s a little more grounded in reality because you see all the hard work and struggle that goes into creating this world. It’s going to have a different texture, a different feel. ”

The celebration of Black women in Hollywood has started a conversation about how political definitions of femininity are at odds with the realities of many people’s lives. At a time when laws are intentionally and specifically targeting transgender people, narratives about nuanced identities are also supported in film.

Lena Waithe joins Sundance documentary team Kokomo City She was an executive producer on the film (which follows the lives of four transgender black women in New York and Georgia and was directed by D. Smith), and said she was “shocked by its vulnerability and honesty.” Ta. She felt that was an important part of the conversation we all needed to have. ”

Chloe Bailey announced her debut solo album at the luncheon. in pieces ‘ will be released and performed on March 31st.

While accepting the award, Deadwyler spoke about coming to Hollywood from his hometown of Atlanta and his struggles navigating this terrain, especially in search of community. To accomplish this goal, the actress’s speech will be published in a numbered series that she has dubbed “Notes on Becoming Multiliterate, for Black Women Who Are Multiliterate.” It was a list of hints.

Disney executive and honoree Tara Duncan shared her childhood memories of her mother braiding black women’s hair and her role in it. essence It reflected her thoughts on true expression. “I had a braid room in my house where women from all over the community would gather to share stories and flip through my mother’s stacks of books. essence Magazine,” Duncan said Thursday. “I don’t need to explain to this room how sacred that time is. essence Set the tone for the conversation. ”

Quinta Branson welcomed Sheryl Lee Ralph to the stage and talked about how she felt the actress was perfect for the role of Barbara Howard. Abbott Elementary School, And how surprised she was that the “legend” was able to appear on the show.

After praising countless other Black female entertainers in her speech, Ralph said during ABC’s Upfront for her current hit mockumentary comedy that Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden gave her a boost. I shared a quick anecdote about when I was given a gift. “She said, ‘Sheryl Lee Ralph, this is going to be the best time of your entire career.’ Don’t dream small, dream big and ask for exactly what you want.” please.”

After an impassioned speech from Viola Davis introducing her to the stage, the two-time winner Prince-Bythewood quoted novelist Chinua Achebe. Things fall apart: “Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”

The director added: queen For the first time, the lionesses were able to write their own stories. ”